IMT and 5G Network Lifecycle: Architecture, Design, Deployment, and Operations Training Course

Introduction to IMT and the Transition to 5G

• IMT-2020 vision and critical technical requirements
• 3GPP release cycles and standardization milestones
• Technical evolution from LTE to 5G standards
• 5G application scenarios: eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC
• Spectrum utilization: low-band, mid-band, and high-band allocations
• Critical performance benchmarks for 5G infrastructure

5G System Architecture

• Non-standalone and standalone deployment models
• Service-based architecture for 5G Core networks
• Functional decomposition of gNB into Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU)
• Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture options and implementation strategies
• Separation of control plane and user plane functionalities

RAN and Core Network Components

• gNB constituent elements: CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU
• Core network functions: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF)
• Data management entities: Unified Data Management (UDM) and Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
• Policy and repository services: Policy Control Function (PCF) and Network Repository Function (NRF)
• Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)
• Essential network interfaces, N1 through N15
• Protocol stacks associated with 5G network interfaces

5G Transport Network Infrastructure

• IP/MPLS transport architecture tailored for 5G services
• Design considerations for fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul segments
• Comparative analysis of eCPRI and CPRI interfaces
• Timing synchronization utilizing IEEE 1588 PTP and SyncE
• Quality of Service (QoS) management and traffic engineering in transport networks

Open RAN Fundamentals

• O-RAN Alliance architectural framework and guiding principles
• Functions and capabilities of the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)
• Disaggregation of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU components
• Open interfaces and strategies for multi-vendor interoperability
• Strategic benefits and technical challenges associated with Open RAN adoption

Network Virtualization and Cloud-Native Technologies

• Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) architecture and its application in 5G
• Containerization techniques for network functions
• Utilization of Kubernetes for telecommunications workloads
• Cloud-native deployment models for 5G Core
• Edge computing architectures and operational patterns

Network Slicing

• Foundational concepts and principles of network slicing
• Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) and slice identification mechanisms
• Designation of slice types corresponding to specific use cases
• Resource isolation and separation across distinct slices
• Lifecycle management procedures for network slices
• Implementation of Service Level Agreement (SLA) enforcement mechanisms

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)

• MEC architectural components and functional definitions
• Overview of the ETSI MEC standardization framework
• Deployment scenarios suitable for edge computing
• Enabling low-latency applications through edge infrastructure
• Integration protocols and procedures for MEC within the 5G Core

5G Network Design and Planning Methodologies

• Coverage planning strategies and radio propagation modeling
• Capacity dimensioning for both RAN and core network segments
• RAN planning utilizing link budget analysis
• Transport network capacity and dimensioning requirements
• Core network sizing parameters and site selection criteria

Deployment Planning and Technology Integration

• Strategic deployment models for 5G networks
• Migration pathways and transition strategies from LTE to 5G
• Integration procedures with existing telecommunications infrastructure
• Considerations for multi-vendor deployment environments
• Testing protocols and validation methodologies

Network Operations and Observability Frameworks

• Network Operations Center (NOC) operational workflows
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) monitoring and performance management practices
• Telemetry collection and streaming data management
• Distributed tracing and centralized logging standards
• Alarm correlation logic and event management procedures

Incident and Fault Management

• Techniques for rapid fault detection and isolation
• Methodologies for root cause analysis
• Approaches to automated remediation of network faults
• Escalation procedures and incident handling workflows
• Optimization strategies for Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)

Change Management and Operational Continuity

• Change control processes and governance standards
• Planning and scheduling of maintenance windows
• Rollback strategies and risk mitigation techniques
• Disaster recovery planning and implementation
• High availability design patterns and standards
• Backup and restoration procedures for critical systems

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Maintenance scheduling strategies and planning protocols
• Procedures for software upgrades and patch management
• Hardware lifecycle management and end-of-life support
• Proactive monitoring strategies for network health
• Management and inventory of spare parts and components

Spectrum Management

• Frequency bands designated for 5G deployment
• Approaches to spectrum licensing and allocation
• Techniques for managing interference and coexistence
• Mechanisms for dynamic spectrum sharing
• Regulatory coordination and compliance requirements

Mobile Network Security and Security-by-Design Principles

• 5G security architecture as defined in 3GPP TS 33.501
• Authentication protocols utilizing 5G-AKA and EAP-AKA
• Encryption standards and integrity protection mechanisms
• Security controls for the network domain
• Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) functions
• Security considerations for roaming scenarios
• Threat modeling specific to 5G network environments
• Principles of secure architecture design
• Practices for vulnerability assessment and remediation
• Security monitoring and incident response procedures
• Application of zero-trust architecture in 5G networks

Operational Resilience and Compliance

• Resilience frameworks applicable to telecommunications networks
• Business continuity planning and execution
• Overview of regulatory requirements for telecommunications
• Standards compliance and governance structures
• Readiness and preparation for regulatory audits

Network Automation

• Automation frameworks suitable for 5G networks
• Orchestration platforms and associated tooling
• Implementation of zero-touch provisioning
• Concepts and applications of intent-based networking
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for network functions
• Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in network operations

Technology and Vendor Evaluation

• Criteria for evaluating 5G technologies and solutions
• Design and execution of proof of concept (PoC) activities
• Approaches to interoperability testing
• Analysis of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Vendor-neutral frameworks for technical decision-making

Practical Case Studies

• RAN design application for a regional telecommunications operator
• Scenario-based transport network dimensioning
• Security assessment and audit exercise
• Simulation of fault management procedures
• Change management process simulation
• Planning for operational continuity and resilience